HOUSTON – The man who police say shot and killed his wife early Saturday morning in northeast Houston appeared in court Sunday and his bond was set at $50,000.
Daniel Martinez, 35, is charged with the shooting death of his common-law wife, Claudia Arriaga, 33.
The shooting happened around 2:15 a.m. in the 2400 block of Moreau Street during an argument about Martinez shooting and killing their dog on Friday, Houston police homicide investigators said.
The deadly argument all happened in the couple's bedroom in front of the couple's 13-year-old son, who was attempting to break the fight, police said. Once Martinez shot his wife, the man fled, leaving the 13-year-old boy to call police.
Martinez left the scene, got rid of the gun and then went back to surrender to police. Once in custody, the man led police to the gun, Houston police said.
Arriaga’s family is distraught over Martinez’s $50,000 bond, saying it is not high enough. It means Martinez can be freed by paying 10 percent, or $5,000.
"The family is very distraught. He didn't kill a dog. He killed a human being. He took away the life of a mother of four,” said a family member who wishes to remain anonymous.
Martinez has been cooperating in the investigation, police said.
The couple's four children were taken to the homicide department to be interviewed, police said. The children include a 17-year-old girl, a 13-year-old boy, a 12-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy.
For now, the children's aunt will take custody of the children, police said.